Types Of Tomatoes To Grow

The type of tomato plants that you decide to grow can be dependent on the region that you live . There are many hybrid tomatoes that have been bred with specific characteristics and qualities in them, to help you succeed. For example, there are hybrid varieties that have been designed to thrive in drier climates, while others types of tomatoes have been designed to thrive where it is wet all the time. Begin your tomato type selection process by starting at your local nursery or garden center , and asking the experts what types thrive in your area, and what types will not do as well.

Another consideration in your selection process will include your personal preferences, such as tomato size, acidity levels, and specific uses. Choices include: Beefsteak tomatoes , as its huge size makes it the perfect sandwich tomato. Early Girl tomatoes , which produce fruit early in the season. And for sauces, pastes, and salsas, a great choice is a plum tomato variety.

You'll also want to decide if you want determinate or indeterminate plants. The amount of growing space you have in your garden will determine which type you select. Determinate plants grow up to 3 feet tall and have a bush-like shape, and do well in smaller garden beds, or in container gardens. Indeterminate plants will continue to grow, and can achieve heights up to 15 feet or more, and will need ample space to reach their full potential, and would do well in larger gardens, and where trellis structures are planning to be used.

When you are planning your garden,and looking through seed catalogs, make sure you consider all the factors we've covered, and you will give yourself the best opportunity to succeed in your tomato variety selections.

When To Start Growing Tomatoes

It is time to start planning your tomato garden for the bounty you will enjoy all summer long. Some parts of the country still have snow on the ground, but planning is the first step in preparing your garden, and there are things that you can do right now to ensure your tomato plants will be successful this year. If you're green thumb has been restless all winter, you can start your seed selection process now, and have your seeds in hand by the time the ground thaws, and your garden bed preparation begins.

Flipping through the pages of seed catalogs and looking at all the different types of tomatoes is not only fun, but necessary if you are going to select the right plants for your garden. A visit to your local nursery or garden center can provide you with tomato seed varieties that will do well in your region, but if your interested in something exotic, order it from a seed catalog or on the internet.

You can start seeds for seedling transplants, about five to six weeks before the last anticipated frost in your area. This will allow the seedlings that you have started from seed, to be ready for the garden when the soil temperature is warm enough. If the soil is too cool for your seedlings they will struggle, and not be successful, productive tomato plants.

Prepare to grow seedlings, by finding a suitable container to plant your selected seeds. You can use everyday house hold items like paper cups, clean yogurt containers, empty egg cartons, or whatever your imagination and ingenuity can convert into mini planters. Start by filling your containers with a good quality potting soil and plant the seeds at about an eighth of inch deep. Moisten the soil with a few good squirts from a spray bottle, and your seed will begin its germination process.

When your seedlings have a couple of leaves on them, place a small fan set on low directed at the seedlings and let them sway in the "wind." This will help them get accustomed to outdoor conditions, and will give them the opportunity to grow strong stalks. When the daytime temperatures begin to rise, you can put them outdoors in the sun for a few hours a day. When the plants have four leaves, and the soil temperature has increased enough they are ready to be transplanted into their new garden home.